Oberteuffer Research & Education Forest

Oberteuffer Research & Education Forest

In 1974, Bill and Margaret Oberteuffer purchased a 160-acre homestead outside of Elgin, Oregon. Over the course of the next 20 years, they actively managed their land and all of its resources with an eye on sustainability.

Their work created a forest that both generates substantial timber and allows a healthy array of plants and wildlife to flourish. In fact, Bill was twice awarded Union County Tree Farmer of the Year for his efforts.

In 1994, as a way to fulfill their dream of a long-term demonstration forest, the Oberteuffers donated 113 acres to the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.

The Oberteuffer Research and Education Forest (Obie Tract) provides a place for the College to conduct research and educational programs that are important to the people of northeast Oregon - and indeed, all of Oregon.

Having dedicated countless hours to managing their forest Bill and Margaret delight in sharing their efforts with others. They hope that their land will continue to provide educ ation and act as a center of on-the-ground experimentation in sustainable forestry for years to come.

The OSU College of Forestry Obertueffer Research and Education Forest provides a place for the Extension Forestry program to conduct research and education programs that address local issues and needs.

On the Obie Tract road improvement work is used to demonstrate the advantages of a good access system, road drainage features and rocking benefits.

In 2004, a timber sale was used to salvage insect mortality, sanitize stands, improve tree spacing and enhance forest health. The sale also provided income for management cost and road improvement, as well as demonstrating even and uneven-aged silviculture. Twenty people attended an educational tour following the completion of the road and during the operation of the sale. The tour explained the mechanics of the road improvement work and how the timber sale was implemented.

Research and demonstrations on the Obertueffer Research and Education Forest include showing a variety of seedling types and alternatives to controlling competing vegetation, and exploring how various types of weed control and shading affect seedling survival and growth of Douglas-fir and western larch.